A Subjective NYC Shopping Guide

The ever-changing shopping scene in a metropolis such as New York City, needs a frequent updating. You’re so lucky since we have on board our special emissary, Monika, who scuffed up her heels to bring you a report of the most exciting fashion boutiques in Manhattan. Literally – ALL Manhattan.

So brace yourself – we will be publishing it in parts 😉

[Mila]

SOUTH

In terms of an introduction: I’m cringing some trite brands, which – despite their popularity, and thus mass character – have really interesting offer, especially from the overseas perspective. I’m skipping those non-American because it’s just not worth buying them in the States. For instance: a charming jacket by the French brabd Maje costs 595$ in New York (plus a 8,875% tax), while the price in Europe is 315 Euro!

Tribeca

This neighborhood became trendy and desired some time ago, but personally I still can’t understand that phenomenon. It isn’t as snobbish as SoHo, the renovated facades are mixed with sloppy ones, and it seems empty during the day. The most popular Greenwich Street and its closest surroundings have a few addresses at which I could find various and rather expensive boutiques: the Lovely Bride wedding dresses showroom, where prices start at 100$, and if you dreamed of a ceremony on the beach or on a meadow, you’d definitely find something for yourself. Next few that caught my attention were Nili Lotan with minimalistic designs, refined Edon Manor offering shoes and accessories from the best designers, and Haus Alkire named “the Next Wave of Young American Designers” by Vogue Magazine. Tribeca’s main problem is that the boutiques are quite hidden, or their windows displays are too modest to attract the passersbys. They would have to know a particular brand to look for it.

Soho

Yes, I know. Recommending it is unoriginal. The artist have been replaced by tourists and exclusive boutiques long time ago. But I love this neighborhood. It has the uncanny New York energy and vibrates despite the crowds and earsplitting traffic. The typical architecture, omnipresent fire staircases and the gems which are worth discovering. SoHo and its surroundings are a shopping paradise from Prada to Nevada.

J.Crew – a chain boutiques where the entire man’s collection is to die for, while from women’s section mostly the sweaters appeal to me. Perfect quality, lasting colors and softness, even after many washes. Available each season in a variety of colors, with a V- or crewneck, Italian merino wool or cashmere, decoratively buttoned or simple as traditional cardigans. Prices start from $79.

Elie Tahari – this Iranian-Israeli designer presents a woman as the president of the United States in their latest ads. How timely! The Fall-Winter collection is very elegant – all of the designs are deliberate, comfortable, feminine and perfect in every detail. Classics in soft colors, made with perfect fabrics. Dresses prices start at $298.

Kate Spade joins colorful girlishness with classical silhouettes. The racks are full of classical jackets and pencil dresses adorned with bows and glitter – so typical for the brand. Their offering cheerful bags but also. I love sophisticated homewares and fashion accessories as funny handbags! No wonder they appear on Pinterest so often – everything is just gorgeous!

Nolita

This area may be small, but it looks like a perfect village inside of a great city.

Bag-All – the idea of this handbag empire comes from joining two principles: the environment consciousness and pleasure of creating cheerful prints. Among all kinds of gifts, shoes, travel stuff and shopping, the bestseller is undoubtedly the one saying: “My Chanel is at home”. And there’s an option of “pimping your bag” if you need more personalization.

Westerlind – a type of a store that can survive only in such a city as New York. It will be appreciated for its original character, best quality products and a variety of colors! Office and home accessories – as larger and smaller notebooks, boxes, binders – are available in beautiful covers. If you are in need of camping equipment and clothes – there are some as well.

Josefinas – the Portuguese designer Filipa Júlio, who established the brand in 2013, says “I felt that I needed the perfect pair of flats to conquer the world. So I created Josefinas”. The brand is named after Filipa’s grandmother – a ballet dancer, and since her grandfather was a shoemaker, it’s kind of a family business. The flagship boutique looks impressive (that charming courtyard with pearl-encrusted wall coverings and rose gold adornments!), thanks to Christian Lahoude, the interior designer hired also by Gucci, Tiffany’s and Jimmy Choo.
The prices start at 179$ but it’s only a bottom line – the store features the most expensive ballet flats – for mere cost of $3300. Additionally you can order identical pairs of shoes for you and your little one in “Mother&Daughter”.

Raleigh Denim Workshop – on a first sight it’s just a store with pants, even if I found there a long searched pair in a cold beige. But learning more about the history of the brand, I immediately wanted to buy more! The old-school way hand crafted denim is produced in the United States with a focus on design, process, material, and craft. And looking at the stockists list – they’re doing just fine!

Greenwich Village

Bleecker Street and the surroundings are filled mostly with eateries and restaurants with delicious food, including the best pizza in New York in Keste Pizza & Vino, Risotteria – a heaven for those avoiding gluten, and Buvette with breakfasts to die for (worth every calorie). But there are also many boutiques bringing to mind one of a kind TV character Carrie Bradshaw, who have lived at Perry Street. My attention has been caught by Neely & Chloe, a boutique created by sisters, bag aficionados. Their designs are simple and neat, made of delicate and soft leather. There is also a possibility of selecting the color, add-ons, customization, as initials or ornaments. If you are price conscious it’s a place for you – the owners define that you should get what you need for no more than $300.

Bo

Bo

I'm Bo - founder of ShopTrotter and BoldOld Blog
I kind of like fashion - meaning: I like to look good, but spending too much time shopping is something that makes me feel overwhelmed. Besides of that - I have a walk-in closet full of wonderful stuff that I use once in 1-2 years... I know, it's outreagous! So I decided to start the Instagram account and try to reuse pieces I own for a long time, without compromising on fashion and style. My new motto is to re-create and re-cycle, instead of buying new stuff over and over. Now I shop consciously - buying only the items that complement my other clothes.

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